E coli 0157 infection

This leaflet tells you about E coli 0157, the germ which is causing you to have diarrhoea.

What is E coli 0157?

E coli is a bacterium (germ) that can cause infection, it is sometimes called VTEC, or verocytotoxin producing E coli.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea, sometimes bloody
• Stomach cramps
• Fever (high temperature)

A small number of people with E coli 0157 infection go on to develop a serious condition called Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS). This can lead to kidney failure and death although this is rare. The risk of HUS is highest in children aged under 5 or the elderly.

Further advice will be given by your doctor or GP if you or your child are at risk.

How did I catch E coli 0157?

E coli 0157 is found in the gut and faeces (poo) of many animals including cattle and can be caught in different ways, for example:

• Eating contaminated food such as raw leafy vegetables, undercooked meat or drinking unpasteurized milk.
• Touching infected animals or their faeces.
• Contact with people who have the illness especially if they do not wash their hands properly after using the toilet, and from sharing towels.
• Swimming in or drinking contaminated water such as ponds or streams.

Is there any treatment?

There is no special treatment and most people can be cared for at home. You should drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) so you do not become dehydrated (lack of fluid in your body).

Antibiotics and anti-diarrhoea drugs are not recommended, unless prescribed by a medical professional, and they may increase the risk of complications. If you or your child have bloody diarrhoea you should ask your GP for advice.

If you are in hospital you will usually be cared for in a single room and staff looking after you will wear aprons and gloves. If you are taking the contraceptive pill and you have severe vomiting or diarrhoea you will need to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Ask your doctor if you need any advice.

If you have E coli 0157 your doctor will have to notify the Environmental Health Officer and Public Health England.

How can E coli 0157 be prevented?

You can reduce the chance of spreading E coli 0157 by:

• Washing your hands well and often, especially after going to the toilet or changing nappies.
• Washing your hands before and after preparing food.
• Washing your hands after handling clothes or bedding belonging to someone with the infection.
• Washing soiled clothes and bedding separately from other items at the highest possible temperature.
• Cleaning toilets and wash basins with hot water and disinfectant using disposable cloths.

If you have E coli 0157 you must stay off work or school until you have had no diarrhoea for 2 days. Some people, especially children, may carry E coli 0157 for several months after they have recovered.

You need to take special care before returning to work or school:

• If you work in health or social care or your work involves handling food you need to ask your local environmental health officer about when it is safe to return to work. They will advise if you need to be tested to see if you are clear of the infection. This applies to those people who have been infected and their household contacts.
• If a child under 5 has been infected, or lives with someone who has, you need to talk to your GP about when it is safe for your child to return to school or nursery. Your GP will advise if your child needs to be tested to see if they are clear of the infection.
• Children under 5 who have had the infection should not swim or paddle in public pools until they have been tested to see if they are clear.

Contact Numbers

Prevention and Control Team
If you have any questions or worries please talk to your GP or nurse, or you can contact a member of the hospital Infection Prevention and Control Team.

Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30
Telephone: 01642 383280

Further information available

NHS 111
Calls to this number are free
When it is less urgent than 999 call 111
Website: www.nhs.uk

Environmental Health Departments – Stockton Borough Council
Telephone: 01642 266522
E-Mail: [email protected]

Hartlepool Borough Council
Telephone: 01429 266522
E-Mail: [email protected]

Durham City Council:
Telephone: 0300 026 1016
E-Mail: [email protected]

Information used in the development of this leaflet

Hawker J et al (2019) Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection Handbook. 4th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. Oxford.

https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Communicable+Disease+Control+and+Health+Protection+Handbook%2C+4th+Edition-p-9781119328049

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1305
Date for Review: April 2027